UCLA Football Preview, 2014: Four of the best, worst possible outcomes for the Bruins

1ST DOWN

After storming his way to become the first two-way Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, what could Myles Jack possibly do next?

First off, the stud linebacker has spent the offseason trying to become a better pass rusher. After sneaking in his first sack during UCLA’s Sun Bowl victory, he could easily quadruple the total.

And the question on everyone’s mind: Will he play running back? Jack rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on six carries in his offensive debut against Arizona, and followed that with a four-score effort against Washington.

The coaching staff won’t want to wear out their most valuable defender, but look for him to get some short-yardage or red-zone carries -- though maybe not until Pac-12 play.

2ND DOWN

UCLA hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard receiver under offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone. With how much the Bruins love to spread out targets, it’s difficult to pick the strongest candidate.

The smart bet might be junior Devin Fuller, who ranked second on the team in 2013 with 471 yards and four touchdowns. Fuller doesn’t look particularly explosive, but has a knack for creating yards of separation between himself and opposing defenders.

There’s also Thomas Duarte, a talented 6-foot-4 inside receiver who earned a nod on the Mackey Award watch list for top tight end. Slightly underused last season, the sophomore could flourish as a red-zone weapon and flirt with double-digit touchdowns.

The talent outside isn’t bad either. Jordan Payton and Devin Lucien have starting experience and combined for 810 yards and six touchdowns last season. Payton uses his big frame to break tackles, while Lucien’s athleticism makes him thrilling to watch.

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Also keep an eye on redshirt freshman Eldridge Massington, who had a strong training camp after being talked up all offseason by quarterback Brett Hundley.

3RD DOWN

Not surprisingly, UCLA has yet to truly fill the shoes left empty by all-time leading rusher Johnathan Franklin, who collected 1,734 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2012.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the offensive backfield is in bad shape. Quarterback Brett Hundley is more than capable of taking off with the ball, and linebacker Myles Jack will likely spot in for some carries here and there.

But at running back, there isn’t anyone who would likely contend for the Doak Walker Award, or even first-team All-Pac-12 honors. Jordon James has developed into a capable back and an experience pass-blocker, but he probably can’t sustain the triple-digit yardage pace he had through his first three games as a junior. Redshirt sophomore Paul Perkins is a bit more willing to lower his shoulder pads, though he hasn’t had a 100-yard game.

4TH DOWN

UCLA isn’t a team with many weaknesses, but special teams does have question marks following a standout 2013 season.

A year ago, the Bruins ranked top 20 nationally in both kick and punt return coverage after falling far short in four of the five preceding seasons. They forced fumbles and blocked punts and field goals. And in freshman punter Sean Covington, they had a player who looked like an all-conference four-year starter.

Covington is gone, having left the team in July due to academics. Junior college transfer Matt Mengel looks like the lead candidate to replace him, but he didn’t pull away from walk-on Adam Searl during training camp.

In coverage, the main concern is UCLA’s coaching-by-committee approach. Former special teams coordinator and linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich still keeps his fingers involved after being promoted to defensive coordinator, but it’s not his sole responsibility anymore. And new assistant Mike Tuiasosopo said he’s still learning on the job.

The talent is there. Senior Ryan Hofmeister was a second-team all-conference pick on special teams and was voted a team captain for the second year in a row. Veterans like fullback Taylor Lagace also flesh out the unit.